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T5i 






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Fact and Need. 



A Statement as to Prevailing Repute and 
Appropriate Vindication. 



ADDRESS 

CHARLES A. SUMNER, 

OF SAN FRANCISCO, 

Delivered before the Territorial Pioneers, at Pacific 

Hall, San Francisco, on the 27th Anniversary 

of the Admission of California into 

the Union. 

(Published by request of the Pioneers.] 



' RODOLPHO.— I never fancied tliut they thought 
So ill of us abroad, as that? 

Marston.— Your plan «l(d^labors hitherto 

Implies a kjj^wledge of the f act- 
Howe 'er unconscious of its weight. 
Or else your reason is at fault 
In purposes, and foremost speech 
For action and for tablature. 
* * * * 

KoDOLPHO. — Now I bethink rac, Marston, it is true! 

And much persuasion for our bounden work 
Lies in a state imperfectly declated. 
Or by unvauutod honor self-coucealcd. 

Mabston. — Your vindication, howsoe'er achieved. 

Will be most welcomed by those most deceived. 

RoDOLPHO. — 'Tis like to be. Tho' there may be replies 

Whicli say they knew our Worth and enterprise, 
And held a gratitude in queer disguise! " 

TOMAS AND FlDELlTEK. 







iPi^ 





Glass F^5'6 

Book Jll_ 



FACT AND NEED. 



A Statement as to Prevailing Repute and Ap- 
propriate Vindication. 



Delivered before the Territorial Pioneers, at Pacific Hall, San Francisco, on the 
27th Anniversary of the Admission of California into the Union, by Charles A. 
Sumner, of San Francisco. 



Mr. President, Territorial Pioneers, We remember how the first intelligence of 
Ladids and Gentlemen : This is a local hoi- the discovery of gold in El Dorado was re- 
iday. Hardly that. It is a day on which ceived in our native or adopted city or vil- 
there is a partial suspension of business in San lage ! With what utter incredulity the tirst 
Fraucisco and a few other cities in the State, stories of the rich findings were heard or 
and public festivities are participated in by a read by all classes in the community ! How 
small portion of our people. It is a day which those "absurd fables'' were persistently re- 
deserves all this attention and respect; and peated, as it seemed to us for the very pur- 
among the days which we hope, under better pose of breeding a mad folly of adventure ! 
rules of social order and recreation, will yet How singularly enough, the very beginning 
be dedicated to a general abstinence from of the "California fever" — (have we not al- 
toil, and to commemorative exercises and most forgotten that once familiar phrase ?) — 
amusements, it should be with us only second was a lodgment of the nettle and the fire in 
in honor and a prevailing unanimity of oh- the blood of the most staid and self-possessed 
servance. Nay, more : if additional days of in the lists of our ueighbors and acquaint- 
common, celebrating recognition and tribute ances ! The first to believe and to resolve on 
are hereafter to be set apart according to the emigration, and to go, being none other than 
benefits developed and received, and en- our very sober-minded city-father, or town 
joyed, then, in the calendar of the Nation, the moderator, or village justice; creating over- 
9th of September is entitled to a red letter whelming astonishment, not to say consterna- 
mark for some thanksgiving and jubilee, tion, by his self-announcement of a fatal case 
Even beyond this, it may be said, with a pro- of the disease : suddenly, irrevocably deter- 
priety which will gather warrant upon intelli- mined to quit his humdrum but most honora- 
geut and patriotic reflection, that the natal ble and respected place as secular, and per- 
day of the State which, in a little over a chance religious oracle, for the gold fields of 
quarter of a century, has thrown over one the new territory; there oftentimes and char- 
thousand millions of golden dollars directly acteristicallj' to maintain his reputation for 
into the arteries of trade and commerce, and patient industry and upright dealings, and also 
which has within that period developed a ca- to develop or display capacities for social com- 
pacity to supply one-tenth of the cereal ex- munion and enjoyment of which his most in- 
port of the hemisphere — and that of the tirst timate friends and associates in the place de- 
excellence — and which was first nmong the serted never dreamed that he was possessed, 
sisterhood of States, of whose resources and We remember the tent and shanty habita- 
citizenship President Lincoln's message to tions on the sand flats and slopes of Yerba 
the Pacific Coast, in his last days, spoke a Buena. We remember the first diggings iu 
supreme credit for the salvation of the Union the valleys and iu the foothill gulches. For 
— the natal day of such a State is worthy of if we have not these pictures in our original 
some regular, emphatic, exultant salutation memories, we have long had a clear daguer- 
from the civilized inhabitants of the globe. reotype of them from uncounted, vivid recita- 

Instinctively, irresistibly, on every recur- tions at these ancient localities, given by 
rence of this anniversary we turn to the trustworthy comrades and friends. These 
scenes of the first ships in the ofting, and the pictures have dwelt with us this day ; they 
first trains crossing the desert. We remem- are before our eyes this night ; and an honest 
ber the trials of separation in the old homes and lieart-felt pride, and a sense of tender and 
of the East ; for those of us of middle age even romantic att'ection for our fellow-citizens 
who " came afterward" had, with rare excep- of daring and fortitude, make up the basis 
tions, the poignant regrets of parting from and stimulant for a grateful anthem of joy. 
well remembered men among the number of This is an hour for review. This is an ap- 
our best beloved, when we decided, or when propriate time for practical, unpartisan sug- 
it was decided for ns, to remain a little while gestions, founded upon the indisputable past, 
longer in the parental mansion. We may seek some judicious forecasting,8 of 



2 FACT AND NEED. 

events. But the time is short. Some of you displayed — in well-understood token of the 
are wearied with an active engagement in dining hospitality of your brethren in the hall 
excursions and festivities, and all are more or beneath its folds — without having felt a glad 
less anxious for the music and the dance. The sentiment, and seen the letters of its exclama- 
general field of retrospect and of coutempla- tion in my brain. It is the table of the fathers 
tion of the future from such a standpoint as of my State that is spread for welcome ! May 
we now occupy, has been, I presume, pretty theirs be the happiest of renewed acquaint- 
thoroughly sketched by the distinguished gen- anceship and revived recollections, this day ! 
tlemeu who have preceded me on the annual May theirs be the keenest of relish for the 
platform of the Pioneers. Certainly, good most bounteous of repasts ; for whatsoever 
sense will induce the speaker to confine him- there is in the good things of the land for the 
self to some one topic, or agree with his hear- appetite of raiional conviviality belongs to 
ers for a brief discursive speech on those mat- their board this day. And the civic esteem 
ters which pertain to your organization, to and thankfulness of all who have come after 
your privileges, to your responsibilities, to them into these fields of infinite resources and 
your expectations, to your resolutions and grand enterprise should have a magnetism of 
your hopes. benediction over them, and lend a palpable 

Have you a right and good reasons for zest and heartiness to all their banqueting en- 
your existence ? The question is not imper- joymenis and congratulations! 
tinent. Men within may ask the question, Buc your organization notoriously rises 
and women without will surely make the in- above this simple plane of salutation and cele- 
quiry ; and it is a just demand and interroga- bration ; in which you are, perhaps, but an 
tion. The sweep of my preface indicates the aggregate gathering of men and fellow-citi- 
nature of my reply ; — but I insist that it does zens, who, with equal propriety, have their 
not preclude me from acknowledging a duty special reunions at date of departures and 
in the way of a justifying statement and argu- tirrivals in particular ships or companies, in 
ment. And I say the question is a fair one, the fieets or the caravans of the pioneer pe- 
and this is a fit hour to consider it. In this riod. 

age and country no society has a right to call We look into your constitution and by-laws, 
for the time and means assigned to your sched- and into your other authentic publications, to 
ule by the plans and routine adopted, unless find your further motives and objects, and 
abundant warrant can be made known on any are not surprised at what you purpose and de- 
opportunity for investigation, or any author- clare. And although we knew your plan and 
ized challenge as to professed and published schemes for work and perpetuity, in a gene- 
services. The every-day requirements of life ral sense, from the beginning, a re-reading en- 
are too serious and exacting in the accepted hances the verdict of favor and applause, 
paths and methods of business and philan- The existence is not to be ephemeral. The 
thropy, to leave room for frivolous occupation society is not to expire with its present origi- 
ofthe hours; and by this people, above all nal members. It is to be perpetuated. The 
others, there ought not to be a legacy of bond of social acquaintanceship and regard is 
original association ior posterity which will to be transmitted ; and because of the need of 
not be of manifest and unquestionable ad- a higher purpose, and to the end, also, that it 
vantage. Let us see. may be explicitly founded on a worthy basis. 

As a means of bringing together the gen- the society is declared to be historical and bio- 
uine Pioneers of the State, thoroughly identi- graphical. "To collect and preserve histori- 
fied, in periodical greeting, your organization cal facts and information in connection with 
has an excellent system of initiation, and a the early and subsequent history of the Paci- 
right to be. "And for a more perfect union fie Coast." * * * "To form a cabinet." 
of the Pioneers of California in the bonds of * * * " To pursue such liteiary and scien- 
fnendship, and to cultivate social intercourse lific objects as shall be deemed expedient by 
between them." For this introductory pur- the Board of Directors." * * * " To 
pose there is a right, and a propriety, and perpetuate the memory of those whose wis- 
obligation. You have every honorable dom, valor and enterprise advanced civiliza- 
prompting of friendship for this organization, tion to the shores of the Pacitic." * * * 
You have sufficient reason in your commenda- " It shall be the duty of every member of 
ble attachments to one another, as men born the association to use all laudable efforts to 
together into a new era, by the fact and date collect and procure such relics, minerals, fos- 
of Pioneer immigration. sils, and other curiosities, and such incidents 

So far forth as this Society represents and and facts connected with the history and set- 
embodies a desire and covenant on the part tlemenl of California, as may be useful and iu- 
of its members to annually meet and hail each teresting to the association." * * * "It 
other in the bonds of special fellowship, with shall be the special duty of the Committee on 
all the delights of conversation and reminis- Library and Rooms to make such recommen- 
cences, and feasting and cheer: Pioneers of dalious to the Board, in view of accumulating 
California, you have a preeminent right for proper books, cabinet specimens, I'elics, curi- 
your assemblages. There are no practical osities, periodicals and journals, and to collect 
requirements, there are no more solemn ob- and arrange such historical facts and incidents 
ligations, which forbid or deprecate the fes- in relation to the history and settlement of 
tive convocation. California, as may be deemed worthy of pres- 

Nay, the rising judgment of the most sin- ervation." 
cere and devout among the intelligent com- The preface to the first Annual declares that 
munities in the land glows with approbation " the Territorial Pioneers of California are en- 
for such appointed seasons of cordial reunion deavoring, among other worthy objects, to sup- 
and decent hilarity. And I confess to you ply the place of that much-needed institution, a 
that, during the twenty-two years in which I historical society of the State ot California, 
have lived upon this Coast, I have never and to a limited extent, of the Pacific Coast." 
passed by the house from the roof or cupola " If our organization * * * shall be able 
of which the Bear Flag of California has been * * * to preserve, in an authentic shape, 



FACT AND NEED. 3 

factB pertaining to the important events of the deposits and productions, scientifically daesi- 
present and recent past, which are fresh in fied, which a distinguished professor, in a re- 
cur own knowledge and memories, and cent important mining suit in our United 
which shall be passed into the history of our States Circuit Court, declared exceeded in 
state, then our determination to publish an completeness, as well as i:i definite and artis- 
annual, and preserve in good shape these his- tic arrangement, anything that could be made 
torical facts and events, will not have been up for a similar exhibition out of all the ag- 
made in vain ; and the expenditure will prove gregated specimens that are to be seen in the 
to be an excellent iuveslnient for our descend- public institutions of our State. 
ants in the centuries to follow us." And, The bare statement of these indisputable 
again, from the concluding paragraph of the facts is surely enough to make us feel very 
same preface : " Our earnest desire is to regretful (if not ashamed) for the past and 
finally present the autobiographies, biogra- present catalogue of our home collections of 
phies, and sketches of many, if not all, the the character indicated, and anxious that the 
Territorial Pioneers." first part of the programme of this and sister 

I say that such an association, so outlined organizations may be speedily developed into 
in its purpose and work, merits thorough pop- results that will redeem, and honor, and ex- 
ular approval, and the co-operation of all who eel. And to this end let us hope and trust that 
distinctly recognize and commend the pro- the contributions of the wealthier members 
gramme— all of us who are without the doors, may be registered within a vear at figures 
as well as those who are elegible to be direct tha't will pay a debt which 'thev owe, and 
participants in the labors and commemorative have neglected ; recovering and establishing 
exercises of the organization. the just reputation of a duly jealous State, and 

We glance at some conditions which ad- lending to their own names an imperishable 
vise and sustain the plan of " earnest desire" lustre of credit. 

and " special duty." The propriety and necessity of a large ma- 

Left to private interest and industry, there seum, collected" and classified and preserved 
would undoubtedly be (undoubtedly there are, under the management of precisely such an 
or have been) numerous collections of speci- organization as the Territorial Pioneers, must 
mens of the first and of current discoveries in be admitted and commended by all; and 
the mining regions ; important and notable while some wonder may be expressed that 
specimens of the precious metals in the differ- there has not been a more worthy underlak- 
ent classes and deposits. Some very respecta- ing and achievement in this direction hitherto, 
ble gatherings of this sort may be looked for in tliere is no complaint to be justly made on 
the rooms of the various libraries and com- this score against the officers of this society ; 
mercial exchange halls of the State. Butnoth- for their excusing reasons are obviously ade- 
iug large, and creditable and permanent ; quate to any man who makes inquiry upon 
nothing answering to the idea of a historical the subject. 

cabinet; nothing reaching and embracing A historical library, strictly Californian, 
what each one confesses ought to be, as a vaf- should be within the frames of your edifice— 
uable and characteristic gathering of such a library that, in its completeness in originals 
specimens, can be reasonably expected under and translations, should be only limited by 
such auspices. Nor is any such collection to the possibilities of a catalogue ; bringing first 
be had from private diligence, for ultimate publications and manuscripts from every 
and enduring popular benefit. Experience quarter in which fair compensation and libe- 
has proved the correctness of the natural ex- ral reward can avail for the search and the se- 
pectations in this respect. At the best, it may curing. 

be said that private collections, unless placed To this point in your programme of duties 
within the protection of your shelves, and and purposes no doubt seems to be suggested 
under the guard of your organization, or that on the simple statement, 
of a society with similar plan, and intention, But beyond this you intend to go. Beyond 
and bond, will gradually disappear from the this, I may say, you have already commenced 
State, in the earlier years, and be found in to labor, and to gather, and to exhibit, 
distant repositories in the Eastern States and Pioneers of California: You have, in ape- 
in Europe, where the management is alive to cuUar and emphatic sense, committed to you 
the importance of obtaining such valuable a vindication of the general history and the 
matter for preservation and exhibition. biographies of the earlier days and comrades 

It is a fact that, today, in several of the of your glorious commonwealth; and recreant 
smaller cities of New England you can see will you be to a high privilege, as it seems to 
larger libraries and cabinets — or cabinet and me, if you fail to write the record of this 
library departments — exclusively composed of State up to the end of the first decade, in clear 
books and manuscripts on California history and unmistakable paragra[)hs. The existence 
and biography, and the history of various of this privilege and obligation is contested, 
portions of the Pacific Coast, and stones, and There are those who, on general principles 
chippings and nuggets from the Sierra Ne- of "good taste," dispute the propriety, as 
vadas, than are as yet embraced under one well as the duty of this work on your part, 
roof in any building, with a single exception, directly under your authority, and mainly by 
in these VVestern communities. your o'wu hands. 

1 was recently informed, by the remarks of This is no time or place for absolute contro- 
one of our prominent fellow-citizens, that versy. I shall only take your own words and 
within a year he has been astonished by the dis- labors thus far as an indication of what 
covery — for such it was to him — in the library you vouksei.ves have decided ought to 
building at Salem, Massachusetts, of a more be ; and glance a second at what others haye 
complete set of California newspaper files than done without you in the same line ; and then, 
is to be seen anywhere in the commonwealth mayhap, or meanwhile, conjecture us to the 
from\yhich the publications were taken. And future pages of history and biography as they 
there is in the British Museum, in London, would read without your supervision or your 
to-day, a department assigned to California rival testimony and text ; — indicating finally 



4 FACT AND NEED. 

and all the time, what those pages are sure to have been sent abroad and received, and, if 
be ander your organized study and editing dis- you please, treasured, as pattern stories of 
crimination. your life, your labors, your struggles, your 

A vindication ! I appeal to you, Pioneers, amusements, your dissipations ; and, compre- 
what is your history before the world to-day? hensively, your characteristic humanity? 
Your historj' ? I mean, of course, your repu- Nearly thirty years ago there was a wild 
tation — which is the focus of your history — rush of daring men to this coast. Have you 
as it is at this moment of time. Did you ever not ascertained that the judgment of the out- 
give thoughtful inquiry to it, in the way of side world is, that in the immense majority of 
comparison with that which you know ought instances you should .substitute the word 
be the history of California from 1849 to " desperate " for "daring"? What are the 
1860 ? facts, as we know them ? 

Some of you are, perhaps, far more compe- There was, for that immigration, the seduc- 
tent than I to write a judgment in these prein- tiou and the stimulus of the love of gold, 
ises ; but 1 shall speak of that which I do Unquestionably ! Palpably ! Avowedly ! 
know and, for the most part, testify of that There was, however, at the commencement, 
which I have seen and heard. the higher love for money ; the desire to ob- 

Vindication ! Yes ; it is needed without the tain it quickly, indeed, but without piratical 
gates. Needed, in general, for the character thought ; with a disposition and purpose to ac- 
of the Pioneers — who are abundantly able to quire it for what it would bring in advantages 
take care of themselves ; and for that reason and blessings "at home." "What sought 
it is all the more required on their behalf, and they here ? '' They came to speedily search, 
on behalf of their children, that they make and lind, and accumulate ; and to return with 
their story plain. Needed in detail, for the bi- their treasure to family and friends, at the 
ographies of some of its most deserving and places from whence they came. 
yet most modest constituents. Needed in de- Characteristically, for the first three to five 
fence of statistics of developed resources and years, this was the mimd and intent of the 
extracted wealth. Needed, most originally new comers to these shores. So much is con- 
aud earnestly, to shove and demonstrate the fessed. Confessed? Admitted. Rather say, 
direction in which the fruits of the discover- so much is boasted, for the purposes of this 
ies and brave and persistent toil in this land section. I know that 1 do not overstate the 
have been sent, or ultimately gathered, and fact when I say, that in the pioneer years — 
made of most material and practical applica^ up to 1856 — these purposes and plans of a 
tion, and most civilizing and refining beneti* large minority of the immigrants, which I 
cence. • have just stated, were carried out ; of course. 

Are you — in this connection let me ask — are with greatly differing amounts gathered in 
you satisfied with the judgment of your fel- the aggregate, but probably, according to the 
low-citizens of the East ? 1 mean the general expectations and needs, with closely similar 
judgment of mankind as to your history and content on the part of the delvere. And note 
early characteristics ; the settled opinion, at the result right in this connection, and flatly 
this date, of meu and women in the Eastern upon the question of historical vindication, 
commonwealths, and in circles of enlighten- The general reputation in the Eastern 
meut in Great Britain and Continental Europe, States of Pioneer California and Californians 
where your local histories and biographies is one which there provokes commiseration, 
have been, and now are, topics of great interest if not contempt. And by the sweep of judg- 
and consideration? Have you realized what ment. the general reputation of the common- 
that reputation is which you bear abroad this wealth, and its inhabitants, comes down on 
night? May it not he that the complimentary the same plane unto this day. Nor is there 
and enlivening salutations that fiash across any conflict of testimony on this subject — 
the wires on Pioneer Day, from side to side nothing to contradict this assertion — involved 
of our own land, as old Californians gather in the fact of a large immigration of the mid- 
here and there for convivial purposes, have die and lower classes of society since the con- 
served, in a great degree, to obscure or oblit- struction of the trans-continental railway, 
erate the popular sense of our own people as This is easy of demonstrfition, but the time 
to the character they have had established forbids so much of what would be digression 
for them as a mighty body of citizens ; estab- on this occasion. 

lished among the best inhabitants beyond the While there are several reasons why this 
Rocky Mountains, who, whether we will or unjust judgment has been maintained against 
no, whether we understand it with an ever- something of direct and able ettbrt to contra- 
present knowledge or not, do sit this hour in diet, and to remove, and to substitute, it is 
judgment upon us? Let us see. based on first, geuei'al, all-embracing esti- 

Within the eighteen months from July, mates. And it is there ! 
1849, 88,000 men were precipitated into these In almost every national convention and 
boundaries ; coming from every portion of delegation — secular and religious — up to this 
theRepublic, with a sprinkling of perhaps one- date, your people have been put in the back- 
tenth direct from foreign shores. Are you ground, at the rear, under the stairs, in the 
satisfied with the pictures that have gone gallery ; and this serves alone to give a fair, 
abroad, and remain to characterize that float- but faint, hint of the average appreciation of 
ing population ? Take the best representa- the State, and its character and consequence, 
tions, or those which have the most pleasing Within recent years I have sat at a hospita- 
features. Are you satisfied, altogether, with ble board in the Capital of the nation, and 
the accepted sketches of that period ? accept- heard, from day to day, California, and the 
ed, mind you, with great literalness of inter- average Californian, derided by " States- 
pretation when they cross the plains, and men" and "Ministers of the Gospel," high 
with almost unqualified simplicity of reading in the ranks of society ; a favorite theme with 
when they reach the Eastern hemisphere ; them for depreciation, for unsparing conla- 
those sketches which sometimes evince most mely, for unmitigated contempt, 
excellent wit and humor ? Sketches which \Vithin recent years I have been called 



FACT AND NEED. 5 

upon, in New England towns and villages, to earned by a benevolent and pnblic-spirited 
lecture upon the resources of this Slate, and man in a trading commerce with the port of 
have had scores of conversations before and San Francisco; — a fact whicli had been nearly 
after the dry recital of statistics, and the inci- forgotten by the oldest inhabitants. And so 
dental reference toother matters which would it was that I came to take such full and care- 
naturally be brouglit into such a discourse, ful notes asjiistify the assertion that there is 
which told the same thought and understand- scarcely a village in New England or New 
ing, and verdict, against the California of to- York — and I believe the same may be said of 
day; but most particularly against the Call- other States in the Union — not one single vil- 
fornian of the pioneer season. Still the sup- lage or town of any importance, in which 
position was, that it might be a good country there are not now, and in which there have 
to sojourn in for a little space, with purely not been for years past, beautiful homes 
business ends in view ; perhaps in some part.s which owe all their high and superlative de- 
healthful and desirable for some classes of gree of comfort and refinement — elegance of 
chronic patients ; perlmps tolerable for this, or structure iu the buildings and thoroughfares, 
that, or the other really missionary scheme, and superiority of education on the part of 
Surely a self-sacrificing spirit was deemed re- the residents — to the fact that the present, or 
quisite for a prolonged stay in the best portion one of the ancestral proprietors gained opu- 
of the coast! Such was the honest belief of lence, or a liberal competence, while residing 
the well-to-do, and otherwise very intelligent iu or trading directly with the State of Cali- 
meu, women and children in such assem- fornia, during the first ten years of its organ- 
blagee, in the most intelligent regions round ized existence. And yet, right there, and 
about the Athenian capital. there, perchance, and probably, above all other 

I am confident that I shall bring up in the places on the face of the earth, we need — if 
minds of many before me this evening the we care for our Pioneers' just meed of honor 
same observation and experience. Large and fame in our own day and generation — 
numbers of the wise and truly good men and unanswerable, ineffaceable, everlasting pages 
women of the village, after the conclusion of of vindicatory biographical and political his- 
the lecture — if I may so dignify my speech — tory. 

have taken occasion to express the most pro- Vindication! Are you satisfied with the 
found astonishment (not to say incredulity) at " Pioneer Biographies," so-called, that have 
the educational advantages for the young been prepared by the pens of literary tramps, 
which I undertook to depict or sketch on a and published in gaudy volumes, with corpse- 
single page of copy. And certainly it would like photographs or bilious engravings ; pub- 
supply much food for merriment, it I were to lished, perhaps, by houses that ought to be, 
give an exact transcript of what I heard and and usually are, engaged in better business ? 
endured upon many such occasions, within Books that are autobiographic or biographic, 
the past seven years. with a small per centage of worthy and intel- 

In one way and another, in almost every ligent men on the list of victims, — Pioneers 
form imaginable, the evidence has come up, who, under one false pretense and another, 
plump and dazing, from the sincere talk of have been seduced into furnishing here an 
the people on the day following the lecture, outline for a sketch of their lives. Here they 
to the effect that they supposed — and were in- are ! sandwiched in between the John Nicode- 
clined to adhere to the opinion — that, in order muses and the Uriah Muddlegoods — portraits 
to be seen as a genuine Califoruian, a man of the latter preceding a dozen pages of letter 
must be described as but little removed in press, in which unstinted adulation transcends 
point of humanitarian qualities and disposi- the ridiculous and enters into ecstacies which 
tion from the aboriginal barbarian of New threaten to be immortal. Alas ! alas ! I have 
Mexico. seen these books in many and many New 

Until quite recently our topography was as England and New York town libraries, and 
commonly misunderstood in New England as on the reading-room tables of some of the 
in Great Britain ; which I hope is an adequate principal hotels in the Eastern cities. Pion- 
Buggestion of most remarkable ignorance, eers of California, whom we so much love 
held in the iron, conical shells of a sublime and respect, biograpbicaliy set down in the 
perversity. midst of what we know to be fairy stories — 

A middle-aged gentleman, of very respecta- to give the most charitable designation — 
ble and sane appearance and manner, ap- about money grabbers, and pettifoggers, and 
proached me while I was leaning on the fence penitentiary escapes, whose early history, 
that now surrounds the American blarney any where, under any ordinary circumstances, 
Btone at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the year would not be of any sort of consequence to 
1871, and after introducing himself and aseer- any oue, unless to a near relation — and then 
taining on his own line of catechism that I only of interest on the supposition of riches 
was from California, he asked me whether under contest in a Court of Probate, 
"really now," " in point of fact," there was Are you satisfied with the proposition or the 
much more danger from the Indians in San call tantamount to a demand, to yield your 
Francisco than from the majority of our white announced prerogative and programme in fa- 
inhabitants, after sunset ? And I have been vor of outside collections of materials for a 
happy to find out afterwards that, in the mo- series of Pioneer biographic eucyclopoedias ; 
ment of delirium, I informed my respectful when the historic doom of this State and her 
and respected questioner that there was not ! early white settlers, after such an abdication 

I have gathered such information and on your part, has been so mournfully indicated 
knowledge of our reputation and " cliarac- in the volumes to which it is understood we 
ter" iu a New England village, and then have have been referring? 

discovered that tlie edifice in whicii I have It is to be admitted — if admission is neces- 
been kindly asked to speak — wiiere I have sary — that these afflictive publications caimot 
been cordially welcomed and attentively list- be stopped or suppressed. But they deserve 
ened to — the fairest fabric in the whole county thus far to emphasize the duty of energetic 
— was reared by the expenditure of money business by the oflScers and members and 



6 FACT AND NEED. 

friends of this organization, in the collectinjc:, and letters of our first centuries, we have only 
under its auspices, and in the ultimate send- opportunity now to say that the vocation 
ing forth under its discriminating and honor- which they have adopted, which they have 
able editorship, of volumes of biography confessed and accepted, has been approved by 
which will justly represent the Pioneers of all who are entitled to criticise or to give a 
the State of California. hearty " God speed " in the higher walks and 

Can I be pardoned a closer illustration of fields of human labor, 
my meaning and prayer ? In all these mo- Massachusetts, Virginia, Connecticut, New 
rocco-bound, gilt-edged duodecimos, there has York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, the Carolinas, 
been credit found for every enterprise on this Vermont, Delaware and Rhode Island : — how 
Coast, and particularly for the greatest enter- have the old parchments and papers been sum- 
prise of our longitude, if not of our age. But moned from their ancient chests and drawers, 
it was reserved for the commencement of the and chimney corners — these ransacked with 
life of your Society to vindicate, and to place zealous industry, within the past few years, 
upon the immovable pedestal of honor and for the slightest contributions there believed 
fame, the real author of the stupendous un- or suspected to remain, deposited or secreted 
dertaking for which others, in those noodle by the Fathers of the Republic. With what 
publications, have had the exclusive credit. 1 tremendous literary appetite has the publi- 
speak now of the vindication of Theodore D. cations of such records as are indicated, from 
Judah, by the President of the Territorial Pi- such sources authenticated — under the iutro- 
oneers, Hon. John C. Burch, in a paper in ductiou and arrangement of distinguished 
the "Annual," wliich has been sent forth as scholars — been taken by the general public ! 
the first publication of this Society — a paper And how universal and profound the response 
giving the simple and indisputable facts in of satisfaction and the anxious admission of 
connection with the actual, original theory strength-iu-knowledge and in patriotic pride 
and mapping of the Central Pacific Railroad, on the part of every American reader, capable 
Consider the immense amount of labor in of receiving any deep impressions through de- 
research and authorship that has been ex- velopments and analyses of human actions, 
pended in evei'y one of the old common- and human purposes and hopes ! 
wealths of the Atlantic seaboard, to find out What waste, indeed, there has been in 
the biographical truth, and to establish before doubting and disputing about every important 
the world the exact relations of individuals transaction in the days of the Colonies ; true 
who were important personages in the Colo- statements of which transactions we think 
nial days. The decision of the greatest of our should have been made clear by numberless, 
historians has been reversed, and he himself individual, simultaneous recitals of facts,— con- 
compelled, perforce, to alter his construction spicuously preserved ! A waste which we 
of events and his ascription of motives, within now regard with great sorrow. A species of 
the past few years, with respect to one of the waste inexcusable for our future. A waste, I 
most distinguished generals of the Revolu- repeat, to be guarded against on this coast and 
tionary War. And it is but yesterday that for these Pacific commonwealths ; if the warn- 
the long-ago mooted question as to the exist ing of perversion, and misrepresentation, and 
ence onion-existence of the celebrated " Blue misapprehension, is ever to be effectual ; if 
Laws of Connecticut," so called, received a ever the honor of fellow citizenship is to be 
new revival — (how often has it been the topic made known and vindicated by any people of 
of eager historic interrogation !) — and the con- a Pioneer generation. 

troversy has broken out afresh upon the inter- Vindication of the past means, also, and un- 
esting and vexatious theme. avoidably, contemporaneous vindication. 

Our eminent Colonial forefathers were more Within the past six years I have sat in 
noted for keeping close diaries than are our public halls in Boston and Washington, and 
statesmen of to day. And, allowing for their iieard this people arraigned for offenses of 
well-known prejudices, there can be fully as which they have never been guilty, and 
much reliance placed upon their jottings as brought under an Accusation of a closely de- 
upon the newspaper records of 1877. And fined and degrading unanimity of impulse and 
yet, what a turmoil of dissension and discus- desire and habit which has as little right to a 
gion we beheld for years — only now settling place in an indictment against the State of 
down upon a lasting basis — touching nearly California and her people as in a series of 
all their important plans, and deeds, and in- impeachment articles against any other sover- 
spirations! In an incalculable ratio of im- eignty of the llepublic. And among the fan- 
portance do I see the necessity for your prom- ciful portrayals by those who have gained no- 
ised biographic work to-day; to save ten toriety, if not distinction and fame, as iilerary 
thousand serious misapprehensions, slander- representatives of this Coast, there has been 
ous verdicts, and utterly undue eulogiums of much to lend countenance to the ideas about 
"history." California and Californian life which are, or 

In respectful commendation and encourage- which have been, boldly and baldly set forth 
ment of this section of your plan, I notice the by less gifted persons, who have temporarily 
value now attached to the diaries of the Pion- sojourned among us; while at the same time 
eers of older States, wliich have been rescued individuals fully caxiable of meeting and com- 
from the moths and must of the closets, and bating these slanders and dissipating the mil- 
garrets, and cellars of Colonial buildings. The dews of this shower of libel, seemed to have 
thirst for accurate information as to the men been paralyzed by an admitted fear and horror 
and things of those days, seems to have been of the strictures of a licentious daily press, 
planted as an un([uenchable element in the Take the elements of character that have 
lives of some of the keenest and most brilliant been most prominently displayed in the day-in 
intellects of the country ; and without arguing and the night-out of California life, during 
as to the degree of necessity or propriety for the years of the first immigration: and look at 
their dedication to the business of searching, them. 

and comparing, and storing, and methodically We who have lived here twenty years and 
reviewing and reproducing from the folios over, cannot be mistaken in estimating the 



FACT AND NEED. 7 

correctnesB of your Pioneer enumeration and permit, imaginary characterizationB and Bcenes 
descriptions. Let us see. to keep tiie common view, but also by your 

Is it that essential quality of true manhood silence and inactivity allf)W that which you 
■which we have named — the comprehensive know is an unjust record to stand against your 
title of all vigorous and generous natures — valiant companions and friends who have 
"Valor?" "To perpetuate the memory of gone before ? You have made a vow of rec- 
those whose * * * valor advanced civ- lamation and restitution, and a covenant for 
ilization to the shores of the Pacitic." the perpetuity of a deserved and honorable 

Where are there exhibitions in volume or fame. " To perpetuate the memory of those 
acted drama more splendid, more full of the whose enterprise, wisdom and valor advanced 
terrible grandeur of a magnanimous courage, civilization to the shores of the Pacific." 
than have been displayed here within our The valor ot friendship I Where else so 
knowledge, with Pioneers for the heroes of nobly displayed ! The Addisonian invocation 
the tale of daring or the scene of tragedy! and encomium falling upon these rough places 
O! their deeds are yet unheralded and un- in the new world ! How tbe'incideutB crowd 
recorded in enduring prose; and still they in upon us! 

wait for embodmient in the verse of epic poe- William Garfield Brown, companion of 
try, and still demand in vain the masters of James Kearney, in a six months' voyage — 
the immortal minstrelsy of lyric song. the men first thrown together in that season 

Put the record of such a heio's deeds into of hardship — men born in different lands : — 
simple and unpretending paragraphs in some William Garfield Brown saw the rickety 
country newsp;iper — those paragraphs written flume breaking above the head of his friend, 
at his best by some friend who loved him with and quick as a flash he remembered — fso he 
a love of brotherly affection ; and though it lived to say) — that while he was alone m the 
provoke a thousand tears of pitying admira- world, with no kith or kin, that friend had a 
tion among the comrades in the " old Tuol- family — wife and little ones at home — depend- 
umne diggings,'" who saw him crushed be- ent upon him for their bread— with all their 
neath the rocks which he shouldered and love centered in him ; William Garfield 
blocked to save his youthful companion, yet, Brown rushed in, and at his mortal peril 
when the recital shall have reached no further caught the trembling timbers — and tottered 
than your own metropolis, it will be dressed and fell — lying there, a crushed and bleeding 
for the column of miscellaneous items in a wreck of humanity— that James Kearney 
manner to despoil it of all its sobriety of force; might escape uninjured. Where is the record ? 
with the whole picture shaped and colored to Who has seen his name in the annals that 
provoke the laughter of the editors who shall ought to have been written and published, to 
copy it for Eastern readers, and surround it transmit name and deed for the sake of grat- 
wit'h still more villainous context of derisive itude — for a stimulus to heroism — forthevindi- 
diseredit and scorn. cation of Pioneers— for the glory of the race 7 

Valor! Was it nothing more than a wild Though a score of witnesses here and there 
spirit of adventure — is that the very best that attest a thousand such and similar scenes, 
can be credited for the majority of the immi- there is no graven prominence for them on 
gration of those eventful days? — that dared the page of your commonwealth's history. But 
the voyage, and through every kind of depri- instead, the flabby conceit of the maudlin 
vatiou'and discomfort held men and boys wag is displp-yed in straggling narratives; and 
to the prospecting enterprise ? Was it a sor- instead, the deeds of crime and violence on 
did greed for money, for the golden grains of these shores are gathered up and restated with 
sand, that started them, and that supported all possible exaggeration of details ; and the 
the hearts of the 999 of the multitude that sweeping slander of Pioneer character goes on 
rounded "The Horn," or crossed "The and on, m cheap and funny rhymes and dialect 
Isthmus," or traversed "The Desert," in doggerel — on and on, unchallenged, over the 
1849 and 18.50, on their way to the shores of face of the earth. 

the Pacific? I am glad that there is an association now 

I have known avarice to come on apace. I existing which means business when it says, 
have seen the eye grow selfishly fierce, and "To collect and preserve historical facts and 
the hand that once grasped with animation information in connection with the early and 
and fervor become cold and fishy to the subsequent history of the Pacific Coast," and 
touch ; and I have said that such men had bet- " to perpetuate the memory of those whose 
ter have gone down into their graves before enterprise, wisdom and valor advanced civil- 
they thus had a new birth of greed enter with- ization to ihe shores of the Pacific." 
in their souls. But few of these have I found The reckless and the criminally wicked 
among the number of the Pioneers of Califor- type of men and women is now the standard 
nia. And of these exceptional ones it has for judgment in the Eastern States and en- 
been disclosed that they had been breeding lightened Europe, as to the character of the 
towai'ds such a constitutional disease of mind vast majority ot California Pioneers; and this, 
and feeling before the date of their sailing too, when the fact is manifest to us that, of 
for the lands of the Pacific. And, alas! they the hardened classes in California in Pioneer 
have been cunning also to make their own days, many came here to successfully fulfil a 
presence known by a self-laudation in a con- pledge of reformation, and in the great 
genial press ; while the heroes are couipara- strength of their natures to illustrate the di- 
tively unknown ; while the heroic majority vine hope that ever lives in the bosom of hu- 
has iiot been recognized abroad ; while those inanity. And this, too, when the history that 
grand characteristics of the majority of the should be rescued shows that many who came 
immigration have been vauntingly ascribed here with their baser elements in mastery of 
to the purse-proud few. The miser in the tiie man, were, by the very emulation of 
gazette of honor ! and a bald fiction in names brave deeds, carriea up to honorable conduct 
and incidents substituted for the ten thou- and a generous and fraternal life, 
sand waiting facts of history ! How long ? And here came men of noblest blood and 

Morethan this : How long will you not only gentlest lineage to obtain, by the charm of 



» FACT AND NEED. 

their manners and the delightful candor of affectinfj^ incidents can we readily recall under 
their speech, and the cordial sentiments and such a heading — that if these brave boys sur- 
noble deeds of their daily walk, the unquench- vived the perils of tiie double voyage and the 
able admiration and atlection of their fellow- hardships of the mining camp, and did " make 
men in the Pioneer years; and to continue their pile" — as most of them did — that within 
to captivate and refresh their companions a one, two or three years from the date of their 
little way down the stream of life ; and often contract, they carried back every dollar of 
to disclose the splendid magnanimity of their their absolute savings, and made an honest 
souls in their behavior at the times of dan- distribution of their golden assets. I remem- 
gers and encounters which were almost in- ber something of a score of such instances — 
separable from public life in the early days of each one worthy of a paragraph in some re- 
the commonwealth. cord that ought to be written — as a vindica- 

I remember, and you remember, when an tion of all the people immediately interested, 
antagonist of hasty and ungovernable temper and a theme of common congratulation, 
plunged a sword into the breast ot such an I remember well when Henry Kilbourn 
one. The weapon of deadly retaliation was came back to a New England town, from a 
drawn and pointed ; the hammer was lifted; three years' term of labor in the northern 
the escape of the assassin from the rightful mines of California. He was all shattered 
vengeance of the assaulted man was impossi- with small-pox and Panama fever, contracted 
ble! But in the midst of the awe of certain after he left the port of San Francisco on his 
death was the life of a celestial triumph, pro- faithfully promised return. We watched him 
claimed in these words : "No ! I could kill as he stepped from the cars at the little depot 
you ; but I will spare you for your wife and of his native town, and then we knew that 
your children's sake !" his days were numbered. Scarcely able to 

O! Mother of Presidents! Grand old walk, he was greeted by his old school-fellows 
Dominion of Virginia! O! noble house of and friends with an inconsiderate earnestness 
unsullied escutcheon ! Your renown for he- that visibly taxed his powers of endurance. 
roic sons seems full with the revolving years. He was quickly taken to his own old home 
But never, never was there more of honor and laid upon the couch from which he was 
wrought for thee in the heart and in the word never to rise a well man. As soon as possible 
and deed of man — suffering unto martyrdom he dispatched a messenger to my father, at- 
— perfectly self controlled in the face of the toruey and counselor at law, in order that the 
last great enemy— than was set in our heaven declaration of his earnings, which he had 
and memory by Charley Fairfax, of Sacra- written in the mining camps, might be put 
mento. into an authentic and legal form, and that 

But these scenes are passed by — never re- the proportion of return and recompense 
corded of man — while authorities are paraded among his neighbors, who sent him to Cali- 
for a general judgment against the whole peo- fornia, might be fixed and distributed, 
pie of those early times ; and elaborate eulo- Henry Kilbourn hastened to do this, though 
gies are written" and published in behalf of he believed that he should recover his accus- 
" good men for the city," and " good men for tomed health after a little rest, under his 
the State," who never did an unselfish act, mother's nursing. He hastened to do this in 
or, 80 far as we know, prolonged the ex- order, as he said, that, in any possible event, 
istence of an unselfish thought into a deed of there might be no stain upon his honor. Five 
beuevolence; but who have always managed other townsmen had gone with him. He, 
to cultivate a newspaper notoriety for excel- alone, of that number, lived to return. But 
lent citizenship, while their shrewdness pre- one other had sent by him twelve hundred 
served them from merited opprobrium and dollars, and this amount was given into Kil- 
puuishment for a thousand petty tricks of bourn's hands with the same injunction of 
malevolence and fraud. faithful return and distribution. Five hun- 

Is it the Valor of Trustworthiness ? Why, dred dollars had been Heui'y Kilbouru's out- 
you can take away the breath and give a fit, and two thousand dollars made up the 
spasm of hysterics to some thousands of our sum given to his companions. He brought 
best citizens in the Kastern States, who set back $-J4, 000— and $12,000 was distributed ac- 
themselvesupinregular jury upon this people, cording to contributions and investments 
by pronouncing such a phrase in their pres- within three days after his return. And when 
ence in favorable connection with the title of the money due was all paid, and the receipts 
the " Pioneers of California" ! For they have were all in, and he had all the papers and ac- 
always believed, and they firmly believe unto knowledgments in his bauds, he thanked God 
this day, that gamblers and their natural con- that his "debt" was canceled; and only 
sorts and allies, made up the principal portion then, apparently, was he able to begin to feel 
of the army of 88,000 that came to California and heartily express gratification that so large 
in '49 and '50. The trustworthiness of the a sum as $12,000, or nearly that amount. 
Pioneers of California ! And yet, we who would, in the pot^sible event o* liis early death, 
came from New England know that fully be left to his aged parents for their future 
one-fourth of ihe young men who left that maintenance and support. Shortly afterward 
section of the country to take up their abode we followed him to his grave. 
in California for a season, were enabled to And the $12,000 was a great sum for his 
make the trip by the contributions of various venerable father. The story, moreover, bears 
sums from different investors; from invest- yet another evidence and suggestion, 
meats of one hundred dollars and upwards ; — For, in his vigorous old age, Hiram Kil- 
these sums advanced upon condition of a re- bourn, the father, took the legacy of his dead 
turn of not less than one-half the amount sou, and made of the old Kilbourn acres one 
which these young knights of immigration of the finest farms in that section of New 
might be able to gather and save in the "dig- England. And today it may be said in all 
gings " of California, within a specified period literalness of truth, that there are twelve 
of time. thousand golden dollars from the California 

And well we remember — for how many of '40 and '50, and '51 and '52, transmuted 



FACT AND NEED. 9 

into Bolifl material prosperity and wealth on urged, and successfully advocated measures 
the old Kilbourn farm. for the public good — who have not one sylla- 

Henry Kilbourn was one of ten thousand ble of peimauent credit in all the State ; 
sons of New England who went and came, while their eft'orts, and faithful labors of patri- 
who toiled and won — returning with such a otism, have been ascribed to other pens and 
recompense of reward, of riches, and of honor, other advocates, and other legislators, and are 
Would it not he interesting and pertinent so credited unto this day. 

to your scheme, and on many accounts appro- Pioneers : If the story of this little human 
priate and useful, if the statistics of such life is worth anything, you have all the debt 
out-go and such applications of Pioneer gath- and duty that has been outlined. Your bonds 
erings of gold should be traced in some authen- of fellowship, all that is common to friend- 
tic publication under the auspices of the Ter- ship, and innumerable and peculiar ties and 
ritorial Pioneers of California ? I happen to ligaments of association, and affection, and 
be able to present an authentic and verified ambition, render your programme of history 
illustration. and biography pre-eminently just, and wor- 

And yet, and yet, I dare to say that if you thy of the most scrupulous and exact fulHlI- 
will go into that town tomorrow — where, I ment. 

hrmly believe, there are as many good people Standing without your portals, witnessing, 
as you will find in any other place of similar during these twenty years, with a profound 
population on this planet of ours — you will and ill-concealed sorrow, the many false as- 
gather, if you seek, a general judgment which sumptions of honors of Pioneer adventure, 
will set down the 999 of the Pioneer immigra- and welcoming with undisguised gratification 
tion of California as composed of unmitigated the occasional, and all-too-few, rectifying 
vagabonds and thieves. And if you were to struggles and achievements of some intrepid 
utter the truth in the presence of that people members of Pioneer societies, I believe that 1 
in this wise : "At least one of the most de- can give utterance to an almost universal een- 
lightful farms in this valley, this 'garden of timentwhen I say, that the time has come for 
the Lord,' was raised from the look of poverty a thorough work of procuring authentic 
and sterility to excellent thrift and unsur- memoirs, and transcribing them for an ap- 
passed beauty and fruitfulness, by the direct proximately thoroogh encyclopaedia of Cali- 
importation and expenditure of California gold fornia biography; the commencement of 
in 1852 or '53," you would certainly be met which grand work may be bailed as of the 
with all the pitying, if not scornful, responses date of the existence of the Territorial Pio- 
tbat are compatible, under any circnm- neers ? 

stances, with gentlemanly breeding, They There is an infatuation, to the effect that 
have forgotton the facts I Is there not need book jobbers will do this work without each 
of systematic vindication ? organized action and oversight and super- 

There is at all times an infatuation in the vision. No, it is not exactly an infatuation ; 
intense realization which we have of the it is something more than that, as well as 
present, which makes us ready to believe (and something different. The book jobbers will 
unwilling to harbor a different thought) that do this work — that is, they will do a work 
history will vindicate itself, by some specific that will be called by this name. But 
gravity of truth ! We who profess a keen in- they will do it without your direction, or in 
terest in, and a large knowledge of, con- the absence of your text, in a way to con- 
temporaneous events, are perhaps equally lia- tinue the errors and wrongs complained of, 
ble with the most ignorant, or unobservant, or and to increase and magnify the misrepresen- 
complacent, to be thoroughly under this de- tations that already abound and grievously 
lusioD. afflict many of the children of men. 

But if you do observe the shadows that There is an infatuation enforced, if not orig- 
have covered the names of men whose record inated, by many proverbs, precepts, and es- 
belongs within our nation's history — shadows says, to the effect that all labor of romancing 
that have been removed by the most diligent and song-writing for the people of a nation, 
labor, and by the most vigorous and vexatious and more particularly all labor in depart- 
of discussions, if removed at all^and if you ments of history, will come without invita- 
recall the many instances where credit for tion, or special encouragement ; that any 
great and glorious deeds has been misplaced avowed craving for the products of sucb 
for centuries, until the conscientious and per- labor, on the part of the people of a nation, 
sistent industry of the accomplished historian, is useless, unseemly, perhaps vulgar, and to 
or the providential event of tiistorical discov- be deprecated, at all events, as of no practical 
ery, has brought the truth of character and of value— if not almost sacrilegious ! " Useless," 
action to light— dethroning a fraud and rais- at least; as never bringing, or contributing to 
ing up a new hero — you will be again and draw forth, fruits of positive merit ; as calcu- 
again mindful of the duty which devolves lated to engender only an unwise ambition in 
upon this organization,— this night and hence- the minds of immature and inferior writers ; 
forth. Have I not already alluded to one in- only operating to excite a rush of fools into 
stance of redemption from possible oblivion ? the literary treatment of themes which the 
A chapter of vindication set in popular and wisest men and scholars alone should be al- 
permanent volume by the Pioneer who pre- lowed to touch, and so to illuminate and adorn, 
sides over this assemblage to-night, and who There is a truth to be confessed in this direc- 
wrote the sketch of Theodore D. Judah. tion. There is machinery for passing words 
" To collect and preserve historical facts and around and under a topic, which is set 
information." "To perpetuate the memory violently in motion in the midst of some pop- 
of those whose wisdom, valor and enterprise ular desire or demand. One grand success in 
advanced civilization to the shores of the Pa- any department of literature is apt to beget a 
citic." liogt of imitators, whose works do condemn 

I know of men who, in your halls of legis- them, and whose works do torment the 
lation, have accomplished a great and brave intelligent but beguiled and betrayed pur- 
work for this people — who wrote, and chasers of current literature. 



10 FACT AND NEED. 

BatBtill I call the idea of absolutely voluu- the very hope of his coutempiation and his 
tary originality— if that is a permissible judgment. 

phrase— (it sets down what I mean)-I call such ' There has been a vast mistake in waiting 
an idea an infatuation. Good books of every for moods of literary labor ; there has been 
kind are the product of diligent study and the testimony of the great body of competent 
hard labor. There is an argument, there is a authors to the virtue and valor of uncompro- 
logic, and, most necessarily, there is a care- raising hard work, — after it shall have seemed 
ful and sometimes elaborate statement in all to them that the voice of the people is as the 
compositions that will abide the test of time, voice of God ! 

and meet the requirements of an enlightened Let us not hesitate to quietly, decently, but 
public. And the one simple recitation of facts audibly or legibly, state our eagerness to hail 
agiiinst the other, with respect to this infatua- the men of capable understanding, and facil- 
tion, shows the middle truth. ity, who will write for you, and for ns, and 

How oft repeated is the urgent wish for su- for our children, the story of the Pioneer, in 
perior historical writers in every department, all its varied and splendid phases of adyen- 
with the added admission that their appear- ture, of intrepidity, of tragedy, and of mirth, 
ance will be spontaneous, and can have no pos- Let the young men of admitted strengthof 
sible relation to an earnest, general call for mind, who purpose such labors, be not dis- 
such a class of devoted authors. The sugges- couraged in the first commencement of devo- 
tion that there is any connection between the tion to this department with the cry of 
production of excellent romance and ennobling " gush," from pedantic pessimists and black- 
and inspiring epic rhyme, and the universal mail critics in the employ of the mercenary 
wish, distinctly made known in a thousand managers of a venal press. 
ways, for the forthcoming of such works, is It is not to the credit of California that the 
held to be abhorrent to every sense of literary few among her adopted sons who have rightly 
propriety, and every alleged experience of obtained renown as distinctively Californian 
civilized and retined communities. writers of history and rhyme, have sometimes 

I have not time to debate here ; I can only turned from their exalted place to do the bad 
state a conviction which seems to me to be business of belittling every other writer who 
unavoidable. sought the field which we would have so as- 

From the minds and souls of the inglorious siduously cultivated. Nor can I refrain from 
Miltons there might have come songs of infi- adding, that I do not doubt that it is to this, 
nite beauty, if it had seemed to them that as one of the chief of causes, that is to be as- 
there was an appeal from the public to the un- cribed the deficiency in this department of 
sealed bosom of the poet. literary labor, wherein I have this night urged 

Has the music of our own acknowledged a culture and devotion, as pre-eminently wor- 
and beloved poet laureates been less enchant- thy of the sons of California, 
ing, or have they appeared to be cramped in What more delightful season of fascination 
theme or pinion, because the day is one of for the Californian whose immigration was 
quick recognition of genius ? Or have they of the latter half of the first decade, than to 
fallen from their former grace since inspira- sit down and listen to the tales of some of the 
tion has had a market value assigned to it, as older Pioneers of the Coast, recounting the 
it was translated and drawn out upon the scenes of the first few years of American oc- 
glearaing page of " copy " ? Have the histo- cupation ? Rare and luscious records and tra- 
ries of Bancroft, and Prescott, and Motley, ditions I only qualified in their enjoyment by 
and Macauley, been less and less excellent, the very thought and wish and liope for a 
according as the demand arose for their con- collection of the many veracious recitals, un- 
tinuation, and a general homage came to their dera judicious method of supervision and ar- 
doors like a flood ? Did Dickens and Thacke- rangement. Suggesting, how often! a far 
ray lose their fancy or slight their work in the better foundation and thread for narrative 
glory of fame, or under the pressure of a tre- poems, for stringlets of bewitching rhyme, 
mendous popular hunger for their contribu- than has ever yet been put into the immortal 
tions? No! There is not anywhere a more verse of Longfellow! Bequeathing or sug- 
appropriate connection between demand and gesting a body of wit, and a flavor of ex- 
supply than in the fields of literature. quisite humor in stories and song, transcend- 
Of course, of course, the magician must be ing the very best of the very excellent, but 
born. But having an existence on the planet, scanty, discursive prose and poetry that has 
and being educated to a facility of utterance, been vouchsafed for the margin of the Cal- 
aud hearing the cry of wish and longing, and ifornia histories that ought to be, and to 
passing into the solemn temple of a great ex- which we have already had your indulgence 
pectation, his labor, his industry, his persist- to anticipatingly refer. 

ent application, is helped, not harmed, by ap- And to think — to think, that instead of the 
peals of general patronage and celebrity ; is systematic transcribing, under good auspices, 
focalized on the best objects, not scattered on of the memories now fading into ashes — with- 
diffusive sketches,— so focalized day by day, out mercenary motive to alter or pervert — 
unto the end of his ambition, the fruition and where there could be quick correction 
of bis earthly hopes, the highest happiness for error of statement — we have only traves- 
of his world of fellow-men. ties and caricatures, which omit or ignore the 

There is a drudgery of literary toil which moral and the beauty of all this vast treasury 
the hermits bear, with the aid of heavenly of anecdote, incident and song! May we 
visitations. This element in the grandest of all not hope that it is kept a little while longer 
work among men is now lightened in the life for the pen of truth and skill, whose words 
of great thinkers by the expectant bush of ana- shall appear under the Pioneers' signet of au- 
tion, ever pausing for the good word and work thentic publication ? 

of a genius ; it has no place in the toil of .the What comedy! what tragedy ia here! 
master writer whose fame is fixed, and whose What romance ! Where is there such a field 
theme seems to be living with the people in for record and embalmment ? Golden sands 



FACT AND NEED. 



11 



in every gulch, and jewels of wondrous lustre 
on every mountain side ! 

For seventy years the uplifting of the 
American people in material prosperity and 
advantages had been wonderful. But, after 
all, there was a comparatively fixed line and 
journeying of incidents in this Republic of 
ours. Then, suddenly, burst upon the world 
the disfovery by Marshall, at Sutter's Mill ! 
Within the eighteen months that followed, 
ninety thousand people were precipitated into 
the State : and there was a new era in his- 
tory ! From all parts of the country, and all 
parts of the world, they came ; and here they 
intermingled with perfect freedom. The one 
object all confessed. But what a diversity of 
motives lay behind the resolution of the mul- 
titude ; contributing to make up an aggregate 
life full of novelty and electric cheer ! Ah ! 
what scenes ; wliat incidents ; what combina- 
tions of circumstances ! The working out 
of fresh dramas every day ; leaving memories 
of another world ! 

Are you satisfied with what has been pro- 
nounced from these vast opportunities for lite- 
rary record, romance and poem ? 

The most determined people, the most val- 
orous, the most polite, the most trustworthy : 
how have their names and biographies been 
written or outlined before the people who 
have never seen them, and yet who have 
reaped, and who are still reaping, the greater 
harvest of good from their cheerful toil. 

We are seeking for motives upon which to 
lay foundations of good citizenship. Without 
detracting from that which is said to be the 
highest spiritual stimulant and confirmation 
into good conduct and the steady industry of 
a just life, we have a right, and desire, and 
duty, under the latitude of our text, to in- 
quire as to subordinate, secular grounds for 
impulse and an education for truth and mag- 
nanimity. Patriotism is now held to be a dis- 
tinct element and virtue, — so determined be- 
yond the bounds of disputing and contention. 
A patriotism of State pride is to be commend- 
ed here for us and for our children. They 
shall be the best of historians and biogra- 
phers ; but only so with your plain and spe- 
cific encouragement now, and your record and 
example to-morrow. Only so. As historians, 



as poets, as novelists, as painters, and as sculp- 
tors, they shall take from your veracious 
recitals the suggestion and the strength of their 
labor. With you the story may be one of 
simple details of facts ; but in one form or 
another, from this generation, the record 
should go forth true, and as the truth enshrined. 
Then history, and romance, and song, and 
painting and sculpture, shall rise under tlie 
ministry of your children, and your children's 
children, in the golden commonwealth of Cal- 
ifornia. 



■ Oh ! fair young land ; the youngest, fairest far. 
Of which our world can boast; 
Whose guardian planet— evening's silver star — 
Illumes thy golden coast; 

' How art thou conquered, tamed in all the pride 
Of savage beauty still; 
How brought, oh ! panther of the splendid hide, 
To know thy master's will. 

' Ko more thou sittest on thy tawny hills, 
In indolent repose ; 
Or pour'st the crystal of a thousand rills 
Down from thy house of snows. 

' But where the wild oats wrapped thy knees In 
gold 
The plowman drhes his share; 
And where through can3-onsdeep thy streams are 
rolled, 
The miner's arm is bare. 

' But in thy lap, thus rudely rent and torn, 
A nobler seed shall be;" 
Mother of mighty men, thou shall not mourn 
Thy lost virginity. 

' Thy human children shall restore the grace 
Gone with thy fallen pines; 
The wild, barbaric beauty of thy face 
Shall round to classic lines. 

' And Order, .Justice, Social Law shall curb 

Thy untamed energies ; 
And "Art and Science, with their dreams superb. 
Replace thine ancient ease. 

' The marble sleeping in thy mountains now 
Shall live in sculptures rare; 
Thy native oak shall crown the sage's brow. 
Thy bay, the poet's hair. 

' Thy tawny hills shall bleed their purple wine, 
Thy valleys yield their oil ; 
And music, with her eloquence divine, 
Persuade thy sons of toil. 

' 'Till Hesper, as he trims his silver beam. 
No happier land shall see; 
And earth sliall find her old Arcadian dream 
Restored again in thee." 




t 



LECTITEES, ETC. 

BY 

Charles A. Suxxiner. 

FOR SALE BY SOMAN & CO., SAN FRANCISCO. 
Price. - - - - - - 25 CJents. 



The Overland Trip. — 



A Narrative Lecture (with maps). 



On ttnA + ho U n nn -^ Christmas Story. Of the above, the Standard of the C'rost 

nUUlIU lllC nUllli (Cleveland, Ohio,) says : ■• These pamphlets are tide-marks 

in the development of California. The one gives the story of the tedious voyage around the 
Horn ; the other is a graphic sketch of the overland trip by rail. Mr. Sumner has a bright, 
picturesque style, and puts a great deal of real life into his descriptions. Any one who 
wishes to refresh his own memories of this travel, or to see what this trip is when taken by 
one who has his average share of animal spirits, will find these sketches both interesting 
and enjoyable. Mr. Sumner has done well to print his recollections, and we shall be glad to 
see other writings from the same lively and vigorous pen." 

Ai.. P<.«»#i:»n klASnUKnnn Being items from the recollection of a trip to 

UUr Canadian NeignOOrS. Canada. - it abounds in dehghtful descrip- 
tion of the old to\sTis of the New Dominion, in pleasant and sumetimes philosophic observa- 
tions and quaint allusions, in sketches of character in piquant contrast-, and is ^VTitten in 
a style so vigorous and elegant that we are inclined to regret that the author has not given 
more attention to literature. The first two or three pages remind us of Charles Lamb ; dwell- 
ing, as they do, on certain old books which are dear to every reader, and in a style of English 
suggesting the simplicity, yet vigor, of the age when fine writing was not as fashionable as 
it is nowadays." — Browne's Phonographic Monthly, iV. Y. City. 

\ Tri n tn PinrhP Nevada ;— being a sketch of recent frontier travel. 

Brief Notes of Fraternal Visits.— ^^^^^'''"" 

tiAii rollniiiohin Rhymes descriptive of the orig.n, objects, methods, and dedi- 

UUU rt^iOWbnip. cation ceremonies of the Order. Published at the request of 

the Grand Lodge of California. 

i'niiphoc unA Uinfo A Rhymed Discourse on the Times. " Delightful humor 

lUUl/llcSana niniS. and keen sarcasm in elegant verse. * * * The pref- 
atory verses, descriptive of the site of the University at Berkeley, and the view therefrom, 
as it is at this time, are at once exact in fidelity to natui-al scenes, and charming and elevat- 
ing in suggestive power." — Oakland News. 

rianroAi'ltinn A Play in four acts. Place, San Francisco. Cal.: Time, 186a and 

UepreCiailOn . 1864. •• We see by the copyright notice, that the author is Charles 

A. Sumner, now State Senator from Storey county. * * * It is an admirably written 
comedy, showing up the mushrooms of San Francisco with an artist's """l- ^.'"^ c*^** 
Passages ' in it are excellent. It would prove a hit, we think on the New York City Stage 
As a memorandum of • things ' as they are in social life in San Francisco, to-day, a historian 
of society may take notes." — Humboldt Kegisler. 

TU«., ^^A Mn... A Centennial Discourse ; delivered at Quiucy, Cal.. July J, 1876, 

I nen ana now. ■• The best centennial Discourse that I have seen.' -Hon. L. 

Q. C. Lamab, U. S. Senator. 

The Political Retrospect, and Our Duty. — ^pTac^^rvmelTprii t, 

^^^^•'•I am greatly pleased by your exact and thorough appreciation of the character of 
Tho«. Jefferson."— James Pakton (in letter to Author) . a„„.,,^, q„n,n.>r unrt 'be 

" An admirable speech ; evincing the power of eloquence of the Senator Sumner, and .ht 
caustic sarcasm of John Randolph."— SianuJaw Newt. 



SuMNEu's PuRMs : liy Samuel B. Sumner and Charles A. Sumner. On heavy tinted paper, with 
three engravings, comprising plate portaits of the authors on steel. 12mo., 500 pp., imitation 
morocco.. For sale by Koman <te Co., San Francisco. (Second edition.) rricc$3. 

We have been acquainted with Col. Chas. A. Sumner these many years, and have known him 
as a gallant soldier, an able editor, a telling orator, and as a gentleman '<( marked literary ability 
if not genius; but we have heretofore not known nmch about him as a poet. The perusal of the 
beautiful volume before us, consisting of the poetical productions of Colonel Sumner and his 
brother, has given us much real j)leasure, and we must say, .surprised us. We did expect to 
find such noble thought, earnest patriotism, and spirit of independence in the poetry of a man, 
who has hever yet worn the Qollar of servituce of any human being or corporation, though often 
sorely pressed by necessities and temi)ted to the last degree ; but we did not expect to find so much 
delicate feeling," softness of lieart and tenderness, as is expressed in some of these lines. We look 
upon the volume as a valuable acquisition to our library, and the best ))roof that we do not over 
estimate its value, lies in the fact that the first edition is already exhausted, and the second one 
also well under way.— /SM^ro Independent. 

This book gives us an agreeable surprise. We have long been acquainted with Charles A. 
Sumner as a writer of vigorous and eloquent prose, and a public speaker who had the power to find 
the most direct waj' to the judgment ahd conscience of a popular audience. His public speeches 
ha\ e ranked high both in matter and manner. But of the Sumner brothers as poets we confess 
we knew but little, and after the announcement of the volume before us, we looked for its appear- 
ance with no little interest. >;ow that it is before us, we repeat that it gives us an agreeable sur- 
prise. These poems have melody, harmony, strong, healthy thought, earnestness, and that inde- 
finable glow which distinguishes true poetry from mere verse making. But if there is a morbid 
line in the whole 500 octavo pages, we failed to discover it. We shall vindicateour judgment of the 
merits of this beautiful volume by quotations hereafier. In the meantime, we shall put it in the 
best company in onr library, advising each of our readers to get acopy for himself. For sale at A. 
Koman & Co.'s.— Fitzgerald's Home Newspaper. 

Herein will be found verse to suit the grave or gay, the lively or severe. There is no lack of 
variety in them, measure or locality. In some of the pieces are dignit3', in other;s local interest; 
in a portion wit, and still again poelicart. There are vivacious ofl'erings and some of bright humor. 
Many of the lines are attuned to delicate sentiment and tender pathos, while others swell with 
the resonant notes of stirring patriotism. A melancholy interest attaches to its later pages from 
the speaking likeness contained therein of the poet's brother, Albert Increase Sumner, who per- 
ished at the wreck of the steamship Atlantic, otf Halifax, in 1873. A poem, " In Memoriam," con- 
veys in fervid, phrase the deep grief that fell upon his surviving friends at the annoucemcnt of his 
sudden death.— *S. F. Evening Post. 

The poems are tuned in many keys, from grave to gay, and are a collection of verses, written 
at various times and on various occasions. All of them show the possession on the part of the 
brothers of true poetic talent. Some of the verses are very tender and delicate, and the 
rythm flows on with a charming grace that fascinates the reader and appeals at once to 
his aisthetic taste and gratifies his penchant for the divine art. In the lighter pieces the 
author's fancy runs riot in many charming conceits, and one is carried along in unison 
with their exuberance and imagery. One of the joint authors, Charles A. Sumner, is well 
known on this coast, and has acquired a wide reputation in other fields. His versatile genius 
is well exemplified in his departure into this new domain of literature, and, after a careful study of 
his last work, we are of the opinion that he has gathered fresh and enduring laurels. We hope 
that he will give us a further touch of his ability in the same line. — Eureka (Nevada) Sentinel. 

This is a book of .500 pages, handsomely printed on tinted paper, containing the poems of the 
brothers Sumner, the latter of whom is well knoivn in California. They have been written as the 
spirit moved or as the occasion pressed during the past fifteen or twenty j'ears. There are many 
gems of thought and expression, numerous elegant, stirring and etlective passages scattered 
between the leaves. — Sacramento Daily Bee. 

This is a handsome volume of nearly five hundred pages embracing the lyrical effusions of two 
distinguished followers of law and literature. Mr. Samuel B. Sumner is a brilliant member of the 
Connecticut Bar. The lines to "Julia in Heaven " by Samuel B. Sumner are very fine, and entitle 
him to rank in the brotherhood of poets. The same may be said of Charles A. Sumner's " I'oem 
delivered betore the I. O. O. F. of .San Francisco, Cal., 1863." It is a noble tribute to a noble order, 
and like many of the author's productions, abounds in trenchant hits on humbug and hypocrisy. 
The volume, while pleasing to the general mass of readers, will hardly be so to the venal newspa- 
pers, as the poetic satire and invective of Charles A. Sumner strike home like a whip of scorpions. 
—Daily (S. F.) Mission Local. 

The " True Life," bv Samuel B. Sumner, is a rhymed sermon worth many a periisal. " Mar- 
tyrdom in the Temple "is a humorous composition, Ijy Charles A. Sumner, which was printed in 
the August number of the Journal, in phonograohic characters. It illustrates the author's power 
of vivid description and poetic imagery. Mr. Sumner not only knows how to wield the phono- 
graphic pen skillfully, but he is able to speak and write things well worth the care of the Art 
Vrb&CTsaX\\<:.— Students'' Jotirnal (N. Y. City). 

Brilliant in humor, delicate in sentiment, fervid in patriotism, and stirring in historic song.— 
Santa Rosa Democrat. 

Contains many exquisite gems of poetry.— 7" /le Pioneer. 

The authors exhibit the possession of genuine poetic genius, in verse that is more or less edify- 
ing or humorous, and always enclinnling and inspiriiig.— »San Francisco Daili/ Eiaminer. 

A happy blending of pathos, humor, and lofty sentiment in the Pooms of S. 1$. .and C. A. Sura 
iier combine to make this one of the most readable and best enjoyed books that I have read in a 
long time. * * The fact that one of the authors is a resident of the Pacific Coast, and the fact 
that many of the poems contained in the volume were t>roduced in California and Nevada, should 
be a source of gratiflcatron and prideo tus all.— //un. Everett B. Pomeroy, U. S. District Attorney 
for Arizona. 

I expected from the pen of Charles A. Sumner sharp and stirring and inspiring assaults upon 
every prevailing form ot social and political hypocrisy and fraud ; but the delicate imagery and 
the tender and irresistible pathos of many of his compositions printed in this volume make a new 
revelation to me of his genius as a true poet of humanity and nature.— 5. C. Brown, late Assistant 
Editor San Francisco Bulletin. 

The "Odd Fellow Poems," bv Charles A. Sumner, are epitomizing, poetic arguments, de- 
fensive and aggressive, in behalf of Odd Fellowship. * * * Tlie humorous poems are worthy 
of Saxe or Holmes.— j\'eit' Age (oflicial Calitomia organ of I. 0. O. Fellows). 



